FAQS

How long have you been performing laser vision correction?

The Vance Thompson Vision surgical team has been performing laser vision correction since 1991.

How many operations have you performed?

At the time of this printing, we have completed more than 60,000 surgical procedures. Our surgeons are among the most experienced in the world.

Can you guarantee 20/20 vision?

Unfortunately, no surgical procedure can be guaranteed. Instead of hoping to forever eliminate your need for corrective lenses, a more realistic goal is to reduce your dependence on glasses and contact lenses. Most patients do not need glasses for distance vision.

How many patients require enhancements or re-treatment?

Because of our surgeons’ innovative techniques, we are able to treat people requiring high amounts of correction. Those with higher degrees of correction can expect higher probabilities of requiring re-treatment. People with average or moderate degrees of correction can expect a 5-10% chance of needing an enhancement. Those who undergo very high amounts of correction can expect increased chances that touch-up treatment will be required.

What is the cost if enhancement treatment is required?

If our surgeons perform your initial treatment, recommended re-treatment or enhancement surgery is free of charge for two years as long as you are under the care of your optometric physician and are examined annually.

How much does the surgeon’s skill have to do with good results?

Some people mistakenly assume that with the high-tech instruments used for LASIK, the surgeon’s role in achieving superb outcomes is minimal. This is not the case. The surgeon’s skill and judgment are the most critical factors in achieving excellent visual outcomes with LASIK. The surgeon’s experience and expertise become even more crucial in the occurrence of an intraoperative complication. Although the equipment is highly sophisticated, the surgeon is directly involved in positioning the instruments and aligning your eye under the laser. We have learned that the accuracy and impeccable precision of numerous small details controlled by the surgeon are the key to achieving excellent outcomes.

Are some lasers better than others?

Different lasers have different strengths and weaknesses. Most surgery centers offer only one laser. At Vance Thompson Vision, we offer several. We adjust our plan and laser to you, instead of fitting your eye to our equipment. We combine the best surgeons and best technology so you have the best outcome.

How often are your lasers calibrated?

We constantly monitor calibration and make tiny adjustments, if needed, between cases. Rather than being dependent on the manufacturer’s service calls, our advanced laser technicians keep our instruments maintained and precisely calibrated at all times. You may be comforted to know that our maintenance and calibration specifications even exceed those provided by the laser manufacturer.

How long do you require contact lenses to be removed before treatment?

Because contact lenses modify the shape of the cornea, they must be left out long enough for your eyes to return to their natural shape, which is usually around two weeks. Ask our office or your eye doctor how long you should discontinue wearing them before your evaluation and surgery.

Can I make monthly payments?

Why do I need follow-up care with my optometrist after surgery?

To achieve the best possible visual outcome, it is very important that your eyes are carefully examined and your vision is closely monitored during your recovery. Examinations are prescribed at significant intervals to ensure proper healing and stability of vision. Follow-up care involves monitoring:

the condition and healing of the flap

your eye medications

your internal eye pressure

possible infection and healing complications

your uncorrected and best corrected vision

the need for enhancements

any near vision problems

the continued health of your eyes

Will your doctors do all my follow-up care?

Our doctors will work in close communication with your family eye doctor to coordinate your follow-up care. We are focused on providing specialized surgical eye care, and the patients we treat are referred back to the care of their family eye doctor as soon as their condition is stable. Should any complication arise, we will work closely with your doctor and be available for any care you may require.

If I am thinking about LASIK, why is my eye doctor the best place to start?

One of the reasons your eye doctor can best determine if you are a candidate for LASIK is because he or she has followed your eye care needs and knows your vision history. Their pre-operative input and post-operative care is integral to obtaining a satisfactory result. Eye doctors regularly provide before and after LASIK care. Over time, they have been able to see first-hand the outcomes of numerous surgeons. This unique opportunity gives your eye doctor excellent knowledge to help guide you to surgeons who consistently obtain excellent results with minimal complications.

Does my eye doctor have a financial incentive to refer to your surgeons?

No. Doctors who provide before- and after surgery care establish their fees based on the care they provide. No portion of our fee for LASIK is shared with referring doctors. We have also purposely steered clear of shared ownership of our lasers and facilities with other eye doctors to prevent the possibility of financial incentive for referrals. The relationship we have with doctors who trust us with their patients has been built by providing years of consistent, excellent care.

Does LASIK hurt?

No. Your eyes will be numb from the anesthetic eye drops, so you will feel minimal, if any, discomfort. You will feel a slight pressure sensation like someone resting a finger on top of your closed eyelid for a few seconds, while the flap is created.

How long does the treatment take?

Although the actual laser time is usually less than one minute per eye, patients are in the laser suite for approximately 10 - 15 minutes for both eyes. However, there is some preparation time before surgery, as we double-check critical eye measurements and perform additional tests. Plan to be in our office for two to three hours on the day of your treatment.

How will I keep my eyes open and still during surgery?

The surgeon gently inserts a device that assists in keeping your eyes open during the procedure. Then, advanced-tracking technology follows every eye movement to make sure every laser pulse is placed in an accurate location.

Who can I talk to about my LASIK questions?

The best sources of information are your eye doctor and our Refractive Surgery Counselors. You can call our counselors toll-free at 1-877-522-EYES.